Review of 2010

A somewhat belated look back at 2010, another excellent year for variety of bird species around Bishop Middleham and in particular Castle Lake.
In the region of 143 different species were recorded including the following highlights, those in bold were new to BM.

Whooper Swan, Bean Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Pintail, Garganey, Red-crested Pochard, Goosander, Red-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Common Crane, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Hobby, Peregrine, Merlin, Avocet, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, Little Gull, Common Tern, Black Tern, Cuckoo, Waxwing, Redstart, Wheatear, Whinchat, Stonechat, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Brambling, Twite, Crossbill, Snow Bunting & Corn Bunting.
Others included a "Channel" Wagtail and an escaped Chiloe Wigeon.

Pied Flycatcher seen near Castle Lake in September 2010, thanks to Steve Evans for the photograph.

Thanks also to the many observers who submitted their sightings to the Durham Bird Club sightings page throughout the year, without whom this review would not have been possible.
Lets hope for another productive year in 2011.